Skeeter or Ranger

[vermilion]

I Am looking at a new WX1880 SKEETER and 1860 angler RANGER. Would like to here pros and cons about each boat from the guys that run them.

[crosbystick]

I Am looking at a new WX1880 SKEETER and 1860 angler RANGER. Would like to here pros and cons about each boat from the guys that run them.

Any question's on Wx 1880 give me a call 218-820-5906 The one I've ran had the 200 HP HPDI

[REG]

I didn't have a Skeeter dealer close for me to really evaluate the 1880, but it looks good on paper. I've got an 1860 and love it - as you can tell from my album.

Pro's - large deck up front, great rod storage (capacity and length), solid and stable - both fishing and running, good height in the water - I like that it sits a bit lower so it's easier to fish out of and doesn't catch as much wind as some taller boats, fit and finish second to none, 47" livewell in back, snap in carpet, RangerTrail trailer is awesome, go with any engine brand you like, Ranger travel cover is very well designed, etc, etc.

Con's - About the only thing I can find that's a tad annoying is how it loads onto the trailer - no matter the angle of the ramp, it seems that I can't quite get it power loaded right up to where it needs to be - so I end up winching it the last 6-8 inches. I ended up putting a larger winch on just to make it a little easier. I've also heard that some have had trouble with the spare tire carrier - maybe my hitch is just a little taller, but I've never scraped anything yet. My snap in carpet wasn't designed to be taken out easily, but I fixed that myself. I wanted a fisherman's top that was lower than the stand-up that Ranger offered - so I had one made at a local shop and it's great. I also suspect that the Ranger is a little more expensive than the Skeeter, but make sure you compare prices after all your options are priced out. And it looks like if you're a speed demon, you can get a 200 on the 1880 - 175 is max on the 1860 (but that's what I've got and it does a great job - including one day with 7 adults in the boat) Plus it looks like the Skeeter may be a little more skier friendly than the 1860 - if you do a lot of that, you may want to look at the 1850.

Again - I'm sure the Skeeter is a good boat, but the Ranger is a very well designed, very well made boat.

[2Labs]

I copied the info below from a thread I found on this site by doing a search on skeeter trailers. Looks like the single axle trailer is suspect and you would want the dual axle. The 3,011 is 211 pounds greater than the carrying capacity of the trailer!!! Of course, this post was 2 years old, so maybe the trailer has been beefed up since then?

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>>I looked at the Skeeter website. I couldn't find anything
>>about the trailer specs.
>>Does anybody know what the weight capacity of the trailer for
>>the Skeeter 1880 is?


>I called Skeeter to ask. They told me to call EZ-Loader because >Skeeter does not keep those numbers. Skeeter says EZ-Loader makes >the trailers for them.

>It took 2 calls to EZ-Loader but here are the details.
>Single axle -- carrying capacity = 2,800 -- GVWR = 3,650.
>Tandem axle -- carrying capacity = 4,000 -- GVWR = 5,100.
>Big difference.

>Boat weighs 1800. Gas (40 gallons) = 320. 200 HPDI = 466. T-8 = 117. 3 >batteries = 180. 80 AP Trolling motor = 50(???). Miscellaneous = 75
>(anchor, 3 gallons oil, 2 duffle bags of tackle, 10 rods, battery charger, >emergency gear, locators, GPS, etc.???)
>Total = 3,011.

>Looks like I want the tandem axle just for a safety margin.

[foxfire]

I have an 1860 Ranger also, and I absolutly LOVE it. I also had the problem of getting it loaded all the way up on the trailer until I had them lower the bow support a notch and it really helped. I have scraped my spare tire carrier once, and I believe you can get the spare tire mount on the side as an option, which I would have gotten if I would have know it at the time I ordered the boat.

I have the Yamaha 150 four stroke, top speed is about 50 MPH. Ride and handling are excellent. Love the layout and the workman ship of the boat. Ranger does a great job.

[BW]

I have an 1850 and love everything about the boat. It is very versatile as far as different types of fishing. The 1850 has more room behind the consoles and less bow than the 1860's. I like the storage and the rear compartments are much larger than the 1860, although the in floor rod locker may not be as nice, it does hold a lot of rods! Just thought you would want an opinion of the different boats.
I did seriously look at the Skeeter and thought it was a nice boat, but the dealer wasn't very high on my list. I also considered the higher sides of the Skeeter being a factor in boat control on windy days. Don't equate higher sides to drier boat, because the Ranger is very dry running. You have more motor choices with the Ranger also, if that matters. Good luck shopping!!!

[Jason Halfen UL]

I've been running an 1860 since February, and have recently spent a bunch of times filming out of an 1880. I can give you a good run down on the pros and cons of each. Shoot me an e-mail: jason@jasonhalfenoutdoors.com

[big_crappie]

I Am looking at a new WX1880 SKEETER and 1860 angler RANGER. Would like to here pros and cons about each boat from the guys that run them.

Where are you from? If you are in N. Minnesota call me. I will have another one in about 30 days. I just delivered my last one today.

[vermilion]

Hi Minnow. i have a place in tower. Did you sell your other skeeter.